PRESS RELEASE: Opera Grand Rapids is proud to announce its first school-aged opera program at the Betty Van Andel Opera Center. The Children’s Opera Studio is one of a handful of exciting educational programs being offered by the professional opera company this winter.
“Opera Grand Rapids is really pleased to introduce the Children’s Opera Workshop. It is a wonderful means to introduce young people and their parents to the beautiful art of opera,” said Michael Havlicek, Opera Grand Rapids Executive Director.
“This workshop provides an opportunity to use the Betty Van Andel Opera Center for more than just rehearsals for our main-stage productions. The Children’s Opera Studio is a first step in Opera Grand Rapids’ “Opera in the Community,” explained Havlicek. “Which is part of the Company’s “Next Act Strategic Plan.” A multi-year plan that aims to strengthen Opera Grand Rapids’ role in the community, and build new audiences for the art of opera.”
The 2012 Children’s Opera Workshop, a vocal and stagecraft program for children ages 6 to 12, will take place from 9:30am to 12noon on Saturdays from January 21 – February 25, at the Betty Van Andel Opera Center.
Children discover avenues of creativity and self-expression through singing, dancing, and acting. In the Children’s Opera Studio, imaginations will be sparked as children experience the fantasy world of opera.
In the studio, taught by veteran opera performers and music instructors Bill and Hollis Bokhout, children will learn to sing in a group and as a soloist. The program will also include dancing, acting and stagecraft. Each class will include physical and vocal warm-ups, singing and instruction on the language of the theatre. The Studio will culminate in an informal performance presented for parents and friends, at the Betty Van Andel Opera Center.
Registration information for the program can be found under “Education” on the Opera Grand Rapids website, www.operagr.com. Tuition for the program is $180 per student. Some scholarship opportunities are also available. For details, call 616.451.2741. Registration for the Workshop has been extended until the beginning of the program on January 21.
Educational Opportunities Calendar:
Children’s Opera Studio
The Children’s Opera Workshop is a vocal and stagecraft program for children ages 6 to 12. The program will take place from 9:30am to 12noon on Saturdays from January 21 – February 25, at the Betty Van Andel Opera Center. Tuition is $180 per student. Some scholarships are available. Registrations will be accepted until the first day of the program, January 21, however space is limited, and children will be placed on a first-come basis. Registration information for the program can be found under “Education” at www.operagr.com. For additional details, call 616.451.2741.
The Annual Opera Grand Rapids Collegiate Vocal Competition
The Opera Grand Rapids Collegiate Vocal Competition provides an opportunity for the finest student vocalists being trained full-time at Greater Grand Rapids area colleges and universities to compete in a professional competition and to be recognized for excellence by a professional opera company.
Contestant application Deadline: Feb. 3, 2012
Applications are available at www.operagr.com.
2012 Collegiate Vocal Competition Final Round Concert
The Final Round of the competition is free and open to the public, 7pm, April 22, 2012, the Betty Van Andel Opera Center, 1320 East Fulton.
The Annual Betty Van Andel Scholarship
Named in memorial tribute of Betty Van Andel and inspired by her lifelong passion for music and her many contributions to Opera Grand Rapids, both as a board member and benefactor, the Betty Van Andel Scholarship seeks to continue Betty Van Andel’s vision of promoting opera in West Michigan by encouraging people who have distinguished themselves as exceptional candidates to pursue continuing education and development in an opera-related field.
Each year the Betty Van Andel Scholarship provides an award of up to $1,000 to an exceptional music student candidate who is either a current resident or student studying in West Michigan. Details about the scholarship, which has an application deadline of March 5, 2012, can be found under “Education” at www.operagr.com.
Opera Grand Rapids Presents Mozart’s THE MAGIC FLUTE, Feb. 3 & 4
Staged With Projections & Video From The Hubble Telescope
Opera Grand Rapids is pleased to present Mozart’s last opera, THE MAGIC FLUTE, at 7:30pm on February 3 and 4 at DeVos Performance Hall. Set in a fantasy land, THE MAGIC FLUTE is a love story fit for the whole family.
This special out-of-this-world presentation of this classic opera will feature projections and video from the Hubble Telescope to sculpt the land of “The Queen of the Night.” THE MAGIC FLUTE is directed and conducted by Robert Lyall and features a national cast of singers and the music of The Grand Rapids Symphony. Ticket information available at www.operagr.com or Ticketmaster.
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